Rochester-area natives named to Forbes ‘30 Under 30’

Two Rochester-area natives have been named to Forbes magazine’s second annual “30 Under 30” list of young innovators under the age of 30 that are poised to change the world.

Jillian Shapiro, a third-year graduate student at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, was recognized on list in the Science and Health category. Shapiro, a 2006 graduate of Pittsford Sutherland High School, was recognized for her work that builds on a scientific discovery from two decades ago.

During the 1990s scientists discovered that special types of RNA, a nucleic acid present in living cells, could silence other genes. The discovery could lead to better treatment of certain diseases.

The only problem was that scientists struggled to find a way of injecting drugs developed from the special types RNA into someone without overwhelming human body. Shapiro’s research found a way of delivering the special RNA that would minimize the interference on the body’s molecular structure. The discovery could have an impact the development of disease treatment going forward.

“Being named to the Forbes list is such an extraordinary honor,” said Shapiro, in a statement. “It is incredibly rewarding to have all of my hard work and dedication to research recognized in such a prestigious fashion, especially as a graduate student.”

Another Pittsford native also made his way onto the list. Zachary Bruner was recognized as part of a five-person team that founded Industry City Distillery. The venture is party of a The City Foundry, a Brooklyn research, design and engineering firm focused on small-scale manufacturing projects. Bruner and his team built a distillery that transforms beet sugar into vodka.

The’ “30 Under 30” list features 450 innovators – 30 each in 15 categories – made up of people outside the public eye, like Shapiro and Bruner, as well as major public figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, Lady Gaga and LeBron James.